Question

Features of atoms that determine the degree to which solute atoms dissolve in the solvent atoms

Answer 1

Solid solution strengthening is a type of alloying that can be used to improve the strength of a pure metal.[1] The technique works by adding atoms of one element (the alloying element) to the crystalline lattice of another element (the base metal), forming a solid solution. The local nonuniformity in the lattice due to the alloying element makes plastic deformation more difficult by impeding dislocation motion. In contrast, alloying beyond the solubility limit can form a second phase, leading to strengthening via other mechanisms (e.g. the precipitation of intermetallic compounds).